STUDY OF VERY-HIGH-ALTITUDE BURSTS WITH AIRBORNE UHF RADAR
Abstract
The principal objective of this experiment was to study the backscattering of electromagnetic radiation caused by products of high-altitude nuclear detonations in the UHF radar band. Two airborne radars were instrumented on frequencies of 425 and 675 mc. Several other measurements on propagation effects were undertaken. The results indicated a pronounced effect which is significant for both scientific and operational considerations. Reflective effects occurred for nearly an hour after the detonation. Apparent absorption predominated for a period of approximately a minute or less, and was less for the higher burst altitude. This period was followed by one of reflection (or refraction), which lasted in some form for almost an hour. The initial reflections indicated a medium of randomly distributed electron density. Gradually, a shift took place to elongated reflecting regions aligned with the earth's magnetic field, similar in reflective properties to those observed from natural aurora by previous experimenters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 11, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0360459
Entities
People
- A. I. Grayzel
- J. S. Clark
- M. A. Herlin
- V. L. Lynn
- W. G. Clay
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology